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will tell you what you want to hear. But remember: These
You surely have seen the billboards around the Valley,
individuals work on commission, meaning that they get
seen ads on TV, heard them on the radio, and probably
paid for taking your business to a certain lawyer or law
even seen them online. That is all permissible, within
office. They are simply trying to make that commission,
the rules. The general rule is that attorneys cannot offer
not to help you.
their services for a specific accident (“I can help you with
Here is a quick tip to see whether a person is a runner
the accident you were in yesterday”), but they can offer
working (unethically) for a lawyer: If someone solicits your
their services generally (“I can help you if you’re ever in
business after an accident, ask them what office they
an accident”).
work for, and ask for a phone number. Call that number,
5. Choose your own, reputable lawyer: Word of mouth recommendations are the best
they do not work there, that should be a red flag that this
If you ever need to hire an attorney, whether for an
person is a runner working on commission. If they do
accident or for anything else, the best thing you can do
work at that office and they did solicit your business, you
is go with someone who is reputable. Look up potential
can report them to the State Bar of Texas for violating
lawyers on the State Bar of Texas website (texasbar.com)
Rules 7.03 and 8.04, by calling 1-800-932-1900.
to ensure they are licensed and in good standing. Try to
4. Lawyers and law offices can advertise their business to you, but not solicit after a specific accident or other incident
talk to other clients the lawyer has represented in the
.
past, ideally in a similar case. As in most things, word
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and ask if the person who solicited you works there. If
SEP/OCT 2018
Those who engage in this practice make it seem as if they truly want to help you, which is their way to try to convince you. But beware! In addition to being unethical, these individuals do not have your best interest at heart.
of mouth recommendations are usually the best way to go.
The prohibition against solicitation does not mean that attorneys cannot advertise their services to you.
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